Contemplating cancelling her interview, Sarah showered quickly and got ready reminding herself that she had worked too hard to cancel now. Taking extra courses and no summer breaks, she was graduating a year early; summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in business and strategic management. Her interview today was for a summer internship with VIC Enterprises, one of the more successful logistics companies in the US.
As she drove to her appointment, she went over her research in her head. The only living child of Russian immigrants, Mr. Chekov moved to the United States with his parents and his younger sister, who died at the age of ten. Growing up in Jersey City, he moved to the Bronx in his mid-teens to work for his uncle, an importer of all things Russian. He later moved to California where his business began to grow. In business for more than ten years, Vitaly Ivanovitch Chekov was a true rags to riches story as he built his logistics company from nothing and now owned other businesses throughout the Silicon Valley. Last night, Mia reminded her that he had been voted one of San Jose’s most eligible bachelors three years in a row and since she was now single…
Sarah had to laugh. Now was certainly not the time to find another boyfriend. It was rare to find paid internships, and the opportunity to work with one of the fastest growing logistics companies was too good to pass up. Chekov was known for taking a hands on approach to every aspect of his business. Considered by many to be an absolute control freak, Sarah relished the idea of learning from one of the best.
When she checked in with reception, she was handed a temporary badge with her name on it before she was ushered into a theater with what looked to be one hundred other people where they watched a video on the company. Sarah hoped that they all weren’t vying for the same position. She knew that she had the grades, but she’d been concentrating on her studies and other than working in the family business, she had no other work experience.
*****
Vitaly stared at the security monitors as the intern candidates filed into the theater. Known for his ability to gain much from first impressions, he flipped through the various resumes, sorting them quickly into yes or no piles. He paused when he caught sight of a small blonde walking in. Adjusting cameras, he followed her as she entered the theater. By the way she surveyed the room, he could tell that she was sizing up her competition. Picking up her resume, he read through it. She had no transferrable work experience, but her grades in supply chain management and service analytics were at the top of her class. He scanned through an article she co-wrote with one of her professors on technology and logistics for “Logistics Today.”
As she sat down and took off her glasses, he watched as she rubbed her temples. From the look of her, she’d had a late night. While normally, he would immediately dismiss her based on that, he liked the pretty little thing. Putting her resume in the yes pile, he summoned his assistant and handed her the reduced list of candidates.
*****
As the presentation video ended, a smartly dressed woman walked out. “Will the following people please remain in their seats? If I don’t call your name, you are excused, as we won’t be needing you.”
Sarah couldn’t help but hold her breath as the woman called out the short list of names. When she heard “Sarah Jenkins,” she sagged in relief. As the rejected candidates filed out of the room, Sarah looked around. From one hundred to five. She liked those odds much better. Once everyone else left, the woman asked the remaining candidates to follow her.
Walking quickly, she led them down a series of corridors and past offices to a smaller room where she handed the files off to someone else who introduced himself as Gary from Human Resources. Calling out each person’s name, Gary handed out envelopes containing a contract detailing their positions, expectations, and compensation. As they read through their packets, he asked if there were any questions and Sarah raised her hand.
“Gary? Isn’t there supposed to be some sort of interview?”
Gary smiled. “We have five positions open and you have each been chosen for the respective position.”
“Yes, but, shouldn’t we be interviewed?” Sarah’s voice trailed off, as it all seemed so fast.
Nodding his head, Gary replied, “Mr. Chekov has already reviewed your files and your background. He made the final selection while you were in the presentation. Now, if there are no other questions, you will need to report to security to have your pictures taken and permanent badges made. He will meet with each of you to discuss his personal expectations and it seems that you, Ms. Jenkins, are first. As soon as you are finished at security, please report to Mr. Chekov on the tenth floor.”